Prime Minister’s Department recognises President of Limkokwing University as Goodwill Ambassador at International Day for Tolerance celebration
President and Founder of Limkokwing University, Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Lim Kok Wing, was recognised as the nation’s ‘Goodwill Ambassador’ at the inaugural International Day for Tolerance celebration at Limkokwing University’s Hall of Fame on Sunday, 16 November.
The International Day for Tolerance is an annual observance held annually on 16 November to strengthen unity and tolerance by generating public awareness of the dangers of intolerance and by fostering mutual understanding among the communities.
This observance, an initiative of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), was initiated in 1995 when the UN General Assembly declared that year as the United Nations Year for Tolerance. The observance was cemented when on the day of UNESCO’s 50th anniversary, 16 November 1995, its member nations adopted the Declaration of Principles on Tolerance.
Limkokwing University was the perfect place to launch the inaugural Malaysian International Day for Tolerance celebration as its multicultural on-campus environment consisted of students from more than 150 countries, all studying and working together as one united community. This is a testament of Limkokwing University’s philosophy that encourages sharing of culture as a basis for peace through understanding and appreciation.
Themed ‘Sehati Sejiwa – 1 Heart 1 Nation’, the inaugural International Day for Tolerance celebration was jointly organised by Limkokwing University and the Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) of the Prime Minister’s Department, and supported by UNESCO. The event was officially launched by YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Kurup, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
Also in attendance were Tan Sri Dato’ Sri Paduka Dr. Lim Kok Wing (President and Founder of Limkokwing University), Mr. Gandesan Lechumanan (Director General of JPNIN), and Ms. Juanita Lourdes (UN Malaysia Coordination Specialist).
The main event was preceded by a VIP tour of the Tolerance exhibition as the Plaza, which contained exhibits by JPNIN as well as ‘The World in One’ exhibition by Limkokwing University students. YB Tan Sri Joseph Kurup then signed the specially designed International Day for Tolerance commemorative board. The public and attending guests were also encouraged to sign the board as a gesture of solidarity.
The celebration proper then began at Limkokwing University’s Hall of Fame where Tan Sri Jospeh Kurup, in his officiating address, thanked Tan Sri Limkokwing for his undivided support and commitment to the inaugural Malaysian International Day for Tolerance.
“On this International Day for Tolerance, let us reaffirm our commitment to tolerance, dialogue and solidarity, among ourselves, in our families, and our communities, “ said Tan Sri Kurup.
“Today’s programme is part of our greater efforts to promote tolerance in our society. I do affirm that it is a necessity for us to exercise tolerance to ensure the continuity of our unity,’ added Tan Sri Kurup more.
Tan Sri Kurup also said that to help Malaysians understand the importance of tolerance, he had suggested to the Prime Minister’s Department that the United Nations’ International Day for Tolerance on 16 November be celebrated each year.
Tan Sri Joseph Kurup ended his speech by launching the inaugural Malaysian International Day for Tolerance celebration. He then proceeded to award Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Dr. Lim Kok Wing a plaque as the official recognition from The Prime Minister’s Department, appointing Tan Sri Lim as ‘Goodwill Ambassador’.
The celebration ended with a special forum titled ‘Tolerance Acceptance: Where do Malaysian Stand?’ and was conducted by panellists that include Prof. Madya Dr. Ismi Arif, Pastor Abraham Edwin Agong, and Mr. Loay Ziad from Palestine.